. >> there has been an escalation of violence this week in syria. government forces have bombarded several cities, and there were clashes on the ground with the group, the free syrian army. damascus was no exception. warplanes have been firing at the eastern suburbs of the city, and artillery shelling on opposition-held areas much the number of civilians killed this week exceeded 500, including women and children. but the free syrian army is also moving closer to the center of the city, trying to gain ground. they had claimed attacks on government strongholds, including a military air force. the government denies those claims, but did accuse terrorist groups of attacks on neighborhoods. neighborhoods were attacked this week. they are inheart by residents loyal to president assad and are predominantly of the minority group. these were the first attacks of sectarian nature. they feel oppression by islamic radical group who the government says are rising in number. these groups, the government says, are paid by conservatives and trying to destabilize t